The subject that will be discussed is an issue that grips the minds of Muslims across the globe today. Unfortunately, this problem is rapidly escalating, growing severe with each passing day. Historically, these challenges predominantly affected the youth of other faiths which caused fractures within their beliefs. However, in our current time, this has now breached the sanctity of the Muslim household and has become an emerging and formidable challenge that Muslim communities must face.
THE STRUGGLE AT HAND AND ITS VICTIMS The issue at hand, is the mounting trend towards atheism and the decline in adherence to religion amongst the youth, this phenomenon is not solely confined to the muslim youth. But, an overwhelming significant number of youth entering universities and colleges globally are falling prey to this, whether due to innocence or ignorance. Parents expose their children to this. They send their children off to institutions of higher learning and are oblivious to the ideological crossroads which awaits them. Under the guise of modernism, the discussions that are held within universities challenge the very essence of their faith, which results in their doubts on religion and existence of divinity. All the while, collectively, we are unaware of this. Personally, I have engaged with young people across the world in higher education. Many have confided in me and shared their innermost thoughts and uncertainties. I have come to witness the doubts they have regarding religion and the existence of a higher power. The interplay between science and religion has further complicated matters, casting shadow over their traditions. Yet they do not voice these concerns to their parents in fear of being reprimanded.
EDUCATORS AND THEIR SILENT STRUGGLE
Even among educators in higher institutions, a significant number find themselves encapsulated by this as well. They may not openly express their reservations, but in private they unveil their inner struggles. Many grapple with the uncertainty about the nature of truth, and those doubts seep into their interactions and teachings subconsciously. This silent struggle permeates across the educational landscape, exacerbating the challenges faced by the next generations. There are two types of modernists which people typically combine, however, their individual approach and attitude towards religion differs. The first category comprises those who are modern and have strayed from religious teachings. They possess a limited familiarity with religious values and teachings, yet do not oppose religion actively. They do not question the necessity of Allah Almighty, nor his existence. These people maintain a separate identity within the broader spectrum of modernity.
However, the second group questions the very foundations of religious belief and practice. They contemplate the relevance of adhering to traditions in a modern scientific era. Their primary goal is to transcend traditionalism and pursue worldly ambitions; such as their professional, financial and material success. While they may acknowledge Allah Almighty, it is but superficial, owing to ancestral or cultural customs. Their true allegiance and priorities are secular. It is imperative to protect the future generations from the influence of the second category.
As young people witness advancements and prosperity achieved by secular nations with secular ideologies. They also observe the financial, economic and scientific progress made by non-religious societies and see religious societies as opposite to this. They begin to question the place of religion. In various religious nations, individuals from various faiths question their religious traditions and scrutinize scriptures to seek inconsistencies and thus ultimately abandon their faith. Consequently, these societies have flourished through secular governance and policies that are conducive to progress and development.
What leads to doubt among Muslim youth?
The creation of doubt in the minds of Muslim youth has come about due to a misguided belief that religion impedes progress. Influenced by particular external narratives, they mimic others who openly question their faith and thus begin to disregard the inherent authenticity of Islam. Even the Holy Qur’an which is protected by Allah the Almighty is bought under unwarranted suspicion. Instead of scrutinizing societal structures, politics, policies and cultural hegemonic norms as potential obstacles to advancement, religion has unjustly borne the blame. Observing other nations who have renounced their faith and who have progressed, has further reinforced this narrative. No one has endeavored to address their concerns. The proliferation of social media further exacerbates this sentiment. Connecting youth globally with diverse ideologies that are anti-religious. Influential speakers and intellectuals through social media provide alternative narratives and dilute the realities and significance of Islamic teachings, which fosters skepticism towards religion. Eventually, religion becomes part of satirical discourse. Doubts about the existence of Allah Almighty has become commonplace, and thus diminishing for them the relevance of religious practices. Additionally, exposure to Western literature and media further erodes their religious convictions, as English literature and modern ideas become integrated with the curriculum, and thus subtly influencing young minds. The normalization of questioning religious beliefs within popular culture through movies, songs and literature facilitates the infiltration of doubt into impressionable minds. Trivializing the importance of religious principles through these various mediums, has paved the way for youth to question the fundamental tenets of Islam.
Consequently, many Muslims find themselves ensnared into these uncertainties, unaware that the erosion of their faith is in progress.
Reference – The Islamic compendium by Dr. Hussain Mohiuddin Qadri
